MAZDA 2 (2005)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,957 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,887
£157/month
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1250cc Petrol
Check Carefully
71% pass rate, £1887/year to run. 11 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1250cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 21 years old, 71% of MAZDA 2s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,957 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,126 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
86,126
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2005 MAZDA 2 has 86,126 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2005 sits between the two at 71%.
MAZDA 2 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 97% | 30 | 25,674 mi | |
| 2019 | 92% | 12,113 | 27,997 mi | |
| 2018 | 91% | 12,473 | 35,410 mi | |
| 2017 | 90% | 11,574 | 42,686 mi | |
| 2016 | 87% | 15,776 | 51,000 mi | |
| 2015 | 85% | 15,877 | 57,096 mi | |
| 2014 | 79% | 14,202 | 60,500 mi | |
| 2013 | 77% | 14,893 | 67,601 mi | |
| 2012 | 76% | 15,653 | 71,124 mi | |
| 2011 | 74% | 18,883 | 77,682 mi | |
| 2010 | 72% | 22,897 | 86,346 mi | |
| 2009 | 71% | 22,733 | 91,854 mi | |
| 2008 | 70% | 14,817 | 97,282 mi | |
| 2007 | 72% | 4,816 | 90,403 mi | |
| 2006 | 73% | 2,297 | 83,579 mi | |
| 2005 | 71% | 1,957 | 86,126 mi | |
| 2004 | 71% | 1,546 | 89,679 mi | |
| 2003 | 75% | 646 | 91,192 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2005 MAZDA 2
The 2005 MAZDA 2 is a small family car with a 1250cc petrol engine. 1,957 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 86,126 miles at 21 years old, MAZDA 2 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2005 MAZDA 2 Fuel Costs
The 1250cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2005 MAZDA 2?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,887 (£157/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MAZDA 2 Reliability Trend
Newer MAZDA 2s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 MAZDA 2
At 21 years old, the MAZDA 2 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2005 MAZDA 2's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 86k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2005 MAZDA 2 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAZDA 2(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1887 |
| FORD FOCUS(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| MINI MINI(2007) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£60 |
| PEUGEOT 207(2007) | 69% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922+£35 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2007) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£165 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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